Means for automatically indicating certain relative positions of guns or the like to each other.



No. 889,852. PATENTED JUNE 2, 1908. W. D. KILROY. MEANS EUR AUTOMATIOALLY INDIOATING CERTAIN RELATIVE POSITIONS OE GUNSOR THE LIKE TO EACH OTHER.

PPLIUATION FILED MAR. z3 1907. A 5 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

No. 889,852. PATEN'IED JUNE 2, 1908. W. D. KILROY. MEANS FOR AUTOMAI'IGALLY INDIOATING CERTAIN 'RELATIVE POSITIONS 0E GUNSl 0R THE LIKE T0 EACH OTHER.

6 SHEETS-SHEET Z.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 23, 1907.

w/ TMESS @M '55 No. 889,852. PATBNTED JUNE 2, 1808. W. D. KILROY.

MEANS EOR AUTOMATIGALLY INDIGATING CERTAIN RELATIVE POSITIONS 0I' GUNS 0R THE LIKE T0 EACHOTHER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 23, 1907.

5 SHEETS-SHEET s.

PATENTED JUNE 2, 1908.

No. 889,852. A

W. D. KILROY.

MEANS EUR AUTOMATIOALLY INDIOATING CERTAIN RELATIVE POSITIONS OP GUNS OR THE LIKE TO EACH OTHER. APPLIGATION FILED MAR. z3, 1907.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

W/TA/SSES, MII/V` MTG@ @fr l E.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

PATENTED JUNE 2, 1908.

THER.

W. D. KILROY. S EORAUTOMATIOALLY INDIOATING CERTAIN RELATIVE POSITIONS OF GUNS OR THE LIKE 'IO EACH O APPLICATION FILED MAR. z3, 1907.

LEA

UNITED STATES PATENT OlElElIOE.

WILLIE DIGKSON .KILRO Y, OF HATCH END, ENGLAND, ASSIGNOR TO HIMSELF, AND EVERSHED et VIGNOLES LIMITED, OF GHISWIOK, ENGLAND, A CORPORATION OF GREAT BRITAIN.

MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY INDICATING CERTAIN RELATIVE POSITIONS OF GUNS i OR THE LIKE TO EACH OTHER.

Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented .Tune 2, 41908.

Application filed March 23, 1907. Serial No. 364,196.

To (ill whom tt may concern: c

Be it known that LWILLIE DicKsoN KIL- ROY, a subject of the King of Great Britain and Ireland, residing at Hatch End, Middlesex, England, have invented new and useful Improvements in and Relating to Means for Automatically indicating Oertain Relative Positions of Guns or the Like to Each Other, of which the following is a specification.

The object of this invention is to provide for warships and the like, in such Cases as are hereinafter described, special means consisting of an improved system and arrangement oll electrical apparatus and connections for automatically 'indicating certain relative positions of a gun or guns with one or more other guns or turrets whereby a loud audible signal or a visible signal or both are given to serve as a warning to the operators of the guns or turrets as to the relative training of their own gun to that of an adjacent gun, guns, .turret or. turrets, when that relative training may, in the event of one or more of the said guns being tired, become a source of danger toonc or other of the adjacent guns or turrets.

'lhe tendency in the design of the armament in modern warships is to eliminate guns mounted in casemates or in central batteries and to yreplace them with guns mounted in turrets.

lt is obvious that the training stops of guns may be so placed in a ship that the said guns can only endanger other guns, turrets or parts of gunmountings when they are fired at their extreme trainings or very near such positions. The possible danger angles of mutual interference will then be small and a danger signal need onlysound to prevent thc gun being fired over such a small' angle that a very slight alteration in training to the right or left as the case may be would permit of safe firing, as the gun would have been trained out of the danger zone. This invention does not apply to such cases as these, where other more simple means may be adopted. It is however advantageous to allow each turret to have as large range of training as possible, in order that the fully benefit of the modern arrangement of guns may be obtained. The arcs ol training over which the guns can hre are being therefore increased,'and in many cases it so happens that the danger angles of mutual interference are also largely increased thereby. i

The object of this invention is to provide an adequatesystem of danger signals which does not unnecessarily restrict the firing, in order to meet such cases as those last described in which the angles of mutual interference are large; and also to allow of greater' freedom in the design of arrangements of gun turrets in warships by permitting the danger angles-of mutual interference to be safely enlarged, with a consequent further increase in range of training of guns. The present invention consists in means of dividing up the danger angles of mutual in, terference, and of making certain corresponding electricalconnections in manner to be hereinafter more particularly described;

vwith the result that the angle over which a warning signal is given may be reduced to any desired extent.

The following is a description of the system in which this invention is applied, To the gun turret trunks or other suitable part of the movable turrets is iixed a series of cams which actuate danger switches fixed to the ship and which areset in prearranged and definite positions corresponding to the proposed divisions of the danger angles of gun training. If preferable any other mechanical means of actuating the danger switches may be used provided the said switches are thereby adapted to make, aty the same definite prearranged positions, the required electrical connections described hereinafter.

T he danger switches (when joined up as described hereinafter) malie the necessary electrical connections to actuate the danger trumpets or other suitable warning device which are placed in the turrets conveniently near the gun-operators. 4

The system has been designed with a view to the greatest sin'iplicity. Thus, if two guns are so trained that one can fire without danger to the other either Yfrom shot or blast, although its own muzzle is lin the line of fire of the other gun, the danger trumpet is only in operation in the turret whose gun will do damage by firing. IIence, a danger signal will always have the same meaning vim-- If you fire you will do damage, in other words Dontiire.' Of course,both turrets may be 'so trainedthat it is dan erous for either to fire, and in that case7 the anger signal will be given in both turrets. This system of automatic signaling is operated by means of a motor'alternator which generates an alternating current `of suitable frequency to actuate the danger trumpets although if' sentation of the cams, danger switches and electrical connections to the various essential parts of the apparatus. Fig. 2 shows the danger angles of iive un mountings for a part of a battleship. iig. 3 shows diagrammatically the cams and switches for the gun mountings for a part of a battleship. F ig. 4 shows the general arrangement of cable connections and ap aratus arranged for the five gun mountings or part of a battleship. Fig.

5 shows an outside view of dangerf switch, turret cams actuating it and a diagram showing inside switch contacts. Fig. 6 shows the danger trumpet which I prefer to use with this system.

'By reference to Fig. vl, it' willbe seen that the two guns P and Q are shown capable of being trained about their centers of rotation `in various relative positions.- The iixed training stop for the gun P on itsleft eX- treme training is shown by position p1, and similarly the extreme training for the gun Q on its right by position g1. The extreme training positions for the gun Pon its right vand the gun Q on its left are not shown as they are not necessary for the purpose of this diagram. v To plot out the danger angles for these twoguns P and Q train the gun P to p1 and produce the center line of the'bore ofthe gun; train the gun Q to g2 so that the safe clearance y is obtained between the muzzle of gun at position g2 and the projectile fired along the center line from p1. If the gun P is fired in position p2 it is obvious that the gun Q is sa e to the left of the position g2 but unsafe to the right of it therefore this point shows the beginning of the danger angle for the gun Q with reference to iiring from the gun P. The arc N denotes this unsafe angle. N ow train the gun Q/to g3, the gun P to p2 when the center line of p2 is at right angles to the center vline of g3, the clearance y being obtained as be fore; then `if the gun P is trained to the right of p2 it cannot endanger in any position.

necessary to prevent the gun P from i'iring because it is trained to the left of p2 while the gun Q is trained to the right of q2 and in such case as the gunP being trained on pand the gun Q being trained on g it would beunnec essarily restricting the firing of the gun P to allow the danger signal to be sounding in that turret, or even if the gun Q were trained so much to the right as position q. Ience this invention provides the following means to prevent this undue restriction of iirin be trained somewhere on the arc NQ -Now it will be seen that itis not always;

' The danger angle formed by the center lines.; y

p2 and p1 is divided into two or more equal or] unequal parts. It should be noted that the number of parts, and their equality or otherwise, are decided by the relative positions of the guns and the amount of cross ring which it is desired to allow. The diagram shows the angle divided into 3 equal parts A. B and C. 'Train the gun P to )3 which isto the extreme left side of`the ang e A produce the center line p3 and train the gun Q to 4 so that the necessary clearance y is obtaine be tween the muzzle of the `gun in position g4 and the projectile on the centerline p3.

'Note the training of gi* and obtain the angle to the right of g4 denoted by the arc O.

If then the gun P is fired in position p3, the f gun Q is in danger if trained on the arc O and out of danger if trained to the left of this.

Obtain similarly Athe angle shown by the` arc M with the gun Q in position g5 andthe gun P in position p4. If then -the gun P is fired in position p, the gun Q i`s in danger from p, if the gun Qis trained on the arc M and out of danger if trained to the left of this. Similarly obtain angles denoted by arcs F. E and D for the gun P, the total danger angle for the gun Q being for example divided into the desired parts G. H. K.

Switches S1 and S2 vfixed to alstruct'ure l other than the gun P- are provided worked by cams A1 Bl C1 and F1 El D1 fixed to the turret :i

trunk or other suitable part of the. gun mounting. Any part which has a movement corresponding to the training of the gun P. will serve. These cams are formed to correspond to the angles A.B.C and F.E.D. and cause the switches SI S2 .to make electrical4 contacts with A2 B2 C2 and F2 E2 D2 when the gun is trained over angles 'of similar lettering. Similarly for the gun Q, switches S3 S4, cams Gr1 H1 K1 andN1 Ml Ol and switch-contacts G2 H2 K2 and'N2 M2 O2 are rovided. Contacts A2 and O2, B2 and M2, 2 andN2, F2 and K2, E2 and H2, D2 and'G2 are respectively joined by wires between the turrets containing the guns P, and Q as shown.

-Danger right trumpets R and Danger left trumlpets L are connected as shown to one ot the e ectrical supply mains V for the gun P and similar trumpets in the turret containing the gun Q are connected to the main WV all as indicated on the drawing. Only one trumpet L and one trumpet R are necessary in one turret. Three are shown connected in parallel for additional safety in case of damage or breakdown. Any number may be thus connected or run in duplicate from any convenient part of the system.

Following the electrical connections made as described by the training of the two guns, it will be seen that if the gun-P is trained within the angle A the danger trumpets L will only be energized in the turret containing the gun P while the gun Q is trained on the arc O, and again if the gun P is trained within the angle B the danger trumpets L will only be energized in the turret containing the gun P when the gun Q is trained on the arc M; and again it the gun P is trained within the angle C only when the gun Q is' trained on the arc N. Similarly if the gun Q is trained within the angle G the danger trumv pets R will only be energized in the turret containing the gun Q, when the gun P is trained on the arc D; and again if the gun Q is trained within the angle H the danger trumpets R will only be energized in the turret contaiiiing the gun Q when the gun P istrained on the arc E; and again if the gun Q is trained within the angle K only when the gun P is trained on the arc F. Thus the danger trumpets are actuated in either turret according to the relative training oi the guns and only when the training is such as-shown. The mutual danger angles of interference have been so dealt with by the means shown that the iiring of neither gun is unnecessarily restricted to any practical extent.

It will be noticed that only three conductors are required to be taken up into the turret for any gun mounting having both Danger right ,and Danger left trumpets (see dotted lines for the circuits to adjacent turrets not shown as well as full lines for the turrets containing the guns P and Q).

Two wires only are necessary if a gun can endanger another gun or guns on one side oi its training only and therefore requires only one sort of' trumpet (see circuits in full lines).

ln certain eases the arrangement andv training of guns are such as to allow of a gun, when trained to its right or to its lett, endangering more than one other gun or part of a lgun mounting.

lt is obvious that the mutual danger angles of interference can be worked out lor all or any such cases in a similar manner to that ust explained for guns P and Q and by the means employed it is not necessary to provide duplicate danger trumpets or like gear, for such cases. For instance suppose the gun P could also endanger another gun not shown and to the left .of the gun Q when the gun P is trained. Within say the-angle C. The only additional apparatus which would be necessary to enable the danger signal to be correctly given would be as follows: the wire Z would be continued or .connected to a switch contact X in a switch having its lswitch arm X1 connected to the main W and operated by a suitable cam X2 fixed to the turret trunk of the gun in question; so that contact is made when the gun to the left of --the gun Q has been trained over such an angle as to be endangered by the tiring of the gun P when the gun P was trained within the angle C.

Figs. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the gun mountin'igs 1 2 3 4 and 5 as arranged for a part ot' a battleship with, in Fig. 2, the dan.

ger angles of mutual interference for 1, 3 and` 5 worked out as before described and in Fig. 3 the corresponding cams and switches for the same'.` y

It will be noted that in Fig.. 2, the danger angles for 1 relating to 3 are 0,1412 a3 a4 a5 a a7 and in-Fig. 3 the. cams have corresponding lettering. The relative position of the cams to the switches s1 sZ s3 s* S5 s S7 S8 s 81 will be as shown when the guns are trained in the direction indicated by the arrows: The cams are shown at different diameters for clear- It will benoticed that the total danger angle for turret 3 with reference to its ring into turret l has been divided up in parts c1 c2 ci. The part c3`has been purposely made of such a size that it forms also the total danger angle for turret 3 with reference to its firing into the tail ot' the gun shield of turret 1. The said tail of turret 1 will be foul of the iring line of one gun in turret 3 when turret 3 is trained hard over to its right and while turret 1 is trained on-the arc al. Thus with the addition ot a correspond ing` cam a7 on the same level as a4 and working the same switch s2 and without further gear or 'connections adequate danger signals are given to the turret 3 when firing from the turret 3 endangers either the muzzles or the tail ol" the gun shield olE the turret 1. rPhe danger angles oilv mutual interference and corresponding cams for gun mountings 1, 2 and 4 are not shown in Figs. 2 'and 3.

The angles and corresponding cams el c2 e3 e4 c5 e for gun mounting 5 refer to the dangerous tiring from the turret 5 with regard to another gun on it-s left, not shown in Figs. 2 or 3.

F 4 shows the arrangement of the apparatus and cable connections for the gun mountings, 1 2 3 4 5 as arranged for part of a battleship in which j are junction boxes, l Danger right trumpets, L Danger left trumpets, Y motor-alternators, u a changeover switch, Zfuse boxes, m au-tomatitl motor cable. The point where connection is made to the ships electric light mains isindicated by -1- and It should be noted that if all the gun mountings for the ship were indicated in Fig. 4, the S-core cable I would be continued to forni a complete ring; the connections to P1 causes the roller to press against the surface of the cams.

The movement and position of the internal switch arm Scorrespond therefore -to the level of cams c 7a2 or lcin contact with the roller r and correspondingr contact is made between switch arm S and one, two or all of the corresponding contactsrs15 s1 s. When no cams are working r, the switch arm S will not be in contact with eitherof the said contacts s5' s1 or S17.

ln Fig. 6 the general construction of the danger trumpet is indicated. This device consists of a casing t provided with a trumpet mouth t1 and contains an electromagnet t? which is energized by an alternating current. At one end of the electromagnet the vibrat ing diaphragm t is arranged in a similar manner to that in an ordinary telephone receiver, 4while at the opposite end of the electromagnet a yoke or back armature t4 is pivoted on pivotst"` to which is connected an indicating plate t adapted to act against the tension of the spring t7. When the electromagnet 'is energized the back armaturet1 is y pulled toward the poles of the electromagnet- C2 and the indicating plate t is-drawn against the tension of the spring t7 in front of' the window t, giving a visual indication which danger trumpet is working.

An important feature in the working ofv the trumpet is the use of an intermittent or alternating current of high frequency, preferably the. latter, as the device can then easily hemade quite water tight and possessno moving contacts; andtherefore nothing requires adjustmentor is likely .to be put out of action. y

Each of the`danger trumpets is marked with the words HDanger right or Danger left or othersuitable 'distinctive phrase; so thatthe operators c an see by-the indicator in which direction the training is a dangerous one.

1t is clear that. the same system may be used,l to give warning to gun operators when their fire may endanger anyportion of the shipsstructure whether movable or fixed.

Having n ow described my-invention,l I de-A clare that what ly `claim andV desire to secure i by Letters Patent is l. Means for automaticallyisignaling certain positions of a gun or guns relative to another gun or other guns consisting of in`combination electric switches controlling electric signaling devices, means operated by the training movement of the guns for working said switches when the gun or guns are within danger angles of mutual interference, signalying devices situated at each gun position, and electric circuits connecting the signaling devices through the electrirl switches with a source ol electric energy/f, the electric switches being 4arranged to close the circuits of the which is liable to damage anadjacent gun or guns.

2. Means for automatically signaling certain positions of a gun lor guns relative to another gun or other guns consisting of in combination two sets of cam surfaces moving with the gun, one set of surfaces being` relative to the positions ofthe gun to endanger another gun or other guns, another set of surfaces being relative to the A'positions of danger from another gun or other guns, electric switches fixed relative to the axis of rotation of the guns and operated by tl1`e`said cam surfaces, signaling devices inproximity to each gun or set of guns, and electric circuits connecting said signaling devices .throughthe said switches with. a source of electric energy".

3. Means forv automatically. signaling certain positions of a gun or guns relative to an- .bination, signaling devices placed in proximity to the ,gun and adapted `each to indicate one of two distinct kinds or regions of danger from gundire, electrical circuits so arranged that distinctive signals are given by the sig naling'device or devices in each turret correspending to the aforesaid two kinds or regions otdanger, three electrical conductors, conelectrical circuits means for connecting the energyand switch mechanism. operated by cui-tor circuits between the source of electric energyand the corresponding signaling device or:` devices placed adjacent -.to.l the-gun whenever the said gun is trained in aipo'sition esuch as to endanger by its fire another gun, other guns, or their mounting or mountings. i' Means for. automatically"signaling lcertain positions of a -gun-or guns relative4 to another gun or 'other guns, consisting' of in combination, signaling devices situated at each gun position` electrical circuits adapted to connect the said signaling devices to a source of electric energy, and switches c ontrolling thesaid signaling devices having contacts relating'to ythe sub-divisions vof the danger angles of-imutual interference and adapted to make such contacts by increments of movement-'caused by the training lsignaling device belonging to that gun only' necting the saidsignaling devices to the said said electrical circuits to a source of electrical other gun or other guns, consisting of in comthe guns or turrets adapted to close thecir-V of the guns coincident With the'lirnitl of each ln testiinony whereof I have signed my subldiyision of the danger angles, and to name to this specification in the presence of l0 olosethe circuit of the appropriate signaling two'subscribing Witnesses.

device belonging to any gun which is trained WH I E DICKSON KILROY' f' Within a subdivisionvof its endangering A J l angie whenever another gun is or other guns /Vitnesses: are trained Within the' corresponding snbd- RICHARD A. HOFFMANN,

vision of its .endangerec 2 angle. j CHARLES CARTER. 

